Recently, a delightful trend has emerged on social media, captivating the hearts of many with the charm of Labubu. This tiny, nine-toothed, fuzzy monster keychain plush has become a must-have accessory, adorning purses and backpacks alike. As fashion and fandom continue to evolve, the newest craze is all about personalizing one’s daily carry-ons with distinctive charms. At the forefront of this trend is Pop Mart’s collaboration with the talented Kasing Lung, featuring a collection called 'The Monsters,' which includes the whimsical and playful Labubu characters.

Kasing Lung, a renowned creator and picture book artist, drew inspiration from Nordic mythology, specifically focusing on enchanted forest elves when conceptualizing Labubu. This infusion of fantasy into tangible collectibles has sparked my interest in the toy collector community. I have also found myself enchanted by Pop Mart's collaborations with Disney, which blend an adorable aesthetic reminiscent of Henson's Creature Shop with nostalgic vibes from 'Where the Wild Things Are' and even the eerie charm of Donnie Darko’s Frank the Bunny.

Labubu resonates deeply with a sense of nostalgia, evoking the innocent joy of childhood make-believe that many of us cherish. I first noticed this trend when one of my closest friends, who is an avid K-pop fan, began sharing photos of her Labubu on various adventures, including red carpet events and concerts. At first, I assumed it was merely a K-pop phenomenon fueled by the popularity of Lalisa, a member of the globally celebrated group Blackpink. Lalisa has been spotted accessorizing her designer bags with her Labubu collection, particularly from the themed drops titled 'Exciting Macaron' and 'Have a Seat,' which she showcased in a recent feature with Vanity Fair.

This piqued my curiosity, especially as I received alerts about new Pop Mart locations opening nearby, making me eager to explore the brand further. However, I hesitated initially, preferring to observe the phenomenon from a distance. My interest only intensified when another friend, equally obsessed with the 'spooky kawaii' aesthetic, reached out to chat about her quest to find a Labubu. I found myself living vicariously through her experiences, as she encountered lengthy queues at Pop Mart’s official website and sold-out items during spontaneous drops at local stores. These limited appearances of Labubus echoed the mischievous nature of the creatures that inspired them, making them all the more desirable.

The intersection of fantasy folklore and fandom fashion drew me further into this world. I began watching YouTube videos, particularly one featuring Lalisa that provided valuable insights. I discovered snippets of character lore that detail the relationships among the Labubus, revealing that the central character is Labubu, who embodies the essence of all Labubus (similar to Toad from the iconic Mario franchise). They come in various plush sizes that elicit an overwhelming sense of “cute aggression.” The allure is further compounded by Pop Mart’s blind box concept, creating a thrilling hunt for collectors. My excitement peaked when I learned that Labubus have their own dedicated land at a Pop Mart theme park—an adventure I am determined to experience!

Inspired by my friends’ quests for Labubus, I embarked on my own journey to local malls, eager to check vending machines and retailers known to stock Pop Mart products. However, upon arrival, I found storefronts cordoned off with long queues of eager customers, only to discover that the shelves were completely bare.

My collector friend began researching how to identify genuine Labubus when purchasing from third-party sellers. In a conversation with io9, Pop Mart clarified their stance: they cannot officially address third-party sales, but emphasize that the best way to ensure authenticity is to purchase directly from their retail locations. Meanwhile, a quick search on TikTok could yield some cautionary tips for potential buyers.

The pursuit of these elusive creatures is serious business, akin to any collector’s obsession. As someone who fondly remembers spending weekends at the mall and am still unable to shake off that tradition, I made multiple attempts to secure an 'Exciting Macaron' plush keychain blind box. However, I found some toy shops charging exorbitant prices of $30 for what would typically cost much less online. This raised several red flags, including noticeable differences in packaging—clear indicators of counterfeit products. Meanwhile, retailers that traditionally sell Pop Mart items began hiking their prices from $45 to as high as $70, significantly above the official price of $21.99.

After weeks of receiving constant “sold out” notifications—likely due to bot-driven reselling—I stood before a Pop Mart store, weighing my options. Upon entering, I gazed at the Labubus on display, only to be met with the disheartening “out of stock” signs. Feeling defeated, I retreated to a nearby café where employees displayed Labubu stickers, and they even directed me to a shop advertising boxes at $45, where I may have succumbed to temptation.

Until I can secure a Labubu directly from the source, I remain in suspense about the authenticity of my purchase. Now, I eagerly await the next drop, yearning for the satisfaction of finally having my very own chaotic yet adorable creature companion to showcase proudly.